Mango butter is the fatty acid cold-pressed from mango seeds. Its properties and even chemical structure are similar to cocoa and shea butter, and it is used for many of the same purposes. The natural form of mango butter is semi-solid and non-greasy, and it is used as a moisturizer for hair and skin as well as an ingredient in cooking.

Raw mango butter is rich in oleic acid, a mono-unsaturated omega-9 acid, and stearic acid, a saturated fatty acid. Its natural ingredients act as emollients to add moisture to and soothe dry skin and hair. Emollients play an important role in adding moisture to skin and improving its elasticity and ability to heal itself. Mango butter is a common product in many commercial soaps, lotions, and even cosmetics. It may also be included in shampoos, conditioners, and hot-oil treatments for hair.

Another common use for this product is as a replacement for cooking oils, butter or margarine in a person’s diet. This oil or butter has omega-9 fatty acids, which are important to a healthy diet. The mango is native to southern Asia, and the butter or flour made from mango seeds is consumed on a regular basis.

Ad

Mango butter may also help fight the common effects of injury to the skin and aging. Stretch marks, fine lines, and rough skin have all been reportedly alleviated by regular use of this product. Scars may also be reduced with regular use. Another common topical use is as a healing aid for minor cuts, rashes, and sunburn in place of other healing ointments. As a salve, this butter can be warmed slightly and then slathered onto a wound; it then should be covered with a bandage or other sterile covering.

Usually, using this body butter as a moisturizer on a daily basis is considered safe. In its raw state, however, mango butter is fairly hard and, therefore, difficult to apply or spread. Once it is warmed, it liquefies and may be easier to use, but to make a constantly-usable product, it is typically mixed with something else like coconut oil or shea butter. This process can be done with a hand mixer at home. Pre-made mango butter creams and products can usually be purchased at drug or beauty supply stores.

Discuss this Article

bear78Post 3

I use mango butter on my hair as a hair mask once or twice a week. It seems to soften my hair and prevent split ends. It's a bit difficult to remove in the shower though, I have to rinse my hair a lot.

I've never thought about eating mango butter but that sounds like a great idea. I've eaten cookies made with cocoa butter before and they were very good. I bet baked goods made with mango butter would be delicious too.

bluedolphinPost 2

@ysmina-- I haven't had this problem with mango butter but I have very dry skin and I use raw mango butter. You might be reacting to it if you have oily skin or because of another ingredient as you said. Why don't you try raw mango butter?

You're right that it's similar to cocoa butter and you can use it the same way. Just heat some in the microwave and apply to dry skin when warm. It's very moisturizing and soothing. It's excellent for very dry areas like knuckles, elbows and knees. My sister is pregnant and she's also using mango butter to prevent stretch marks.

You can even mix mango butter with pure shea butter to make a super moisturizing body butter to use in winter. You just have to melt them and mix them together.

ysminaPost 1

I bought a mango butter face lotion recently after reading about the many benefits of mango butter. I love the scent, it smells delicious and reminds me of cocoa butter. But the lotion made my skin break out so I had to stop using it. I don't know if it's because of the shea butter or because of another ingredient.

Post your comments

Please enter the code:

Login

Register

Make changes/additions/deletions to the article below, and one of our editors will publish your suggestions if warranted.

Optional: Explanation of your recommended changes

Thank You!

One of our editors will review your suggestion and make changes if warranted.
Note that depending on the number of suggestions we receive,
this can take anywhere from a few hours to a few days.
Thank you for helping to improve wiseGEEK!